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Albums: meaning, definitions and examples

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albums

 

[ˈælbəmz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music collection

A collection of songs or tracks by an artist or band, typically released together as a single package. Albums can consist of various genres and themes, providing listeners with a cohesive listening experience.

Synonyms

CD, LP, record.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
albums

Used to refer generally to collections of music tracks. Can be digital, physical (like CDs), or other formats.

  • I bought three new albums this month
  • Her latest album is a real hit
record

Can refer to any physical format of a music album, especially vinyl LPs. Often used in a nostalgic or collector's context.

  • He has an impressive record collection from the 60s
  • Have you heard their new record?
LP

Refers specifically to Long Play records, typically vinyl. Commonly used by collectors and audiophiles.

  • I bought an LP of The Beatles from a vintage store
  • My dad has a huge collection of LPs
CD

Refers specifically to a Compact Disc, a physical format for storing music. Commonly used in the 1990s and early 2000s but still in use today.

  • I found a rare CD of my favorite band's first album
  • Do you still listen to music on CDs?

Examples of usage

  • Have you listened to the latest album by your favorite artist?
  • My friend has a huge collection of vinyl albums.
  • The new album from the band is receiving great reviews.
  • I love listening to classic rock albums from the 70s and 80s.
  • She released her debut album last year.
Context #2 | Noun

photo collection

A book or collection of pages holding photographs, stamps, or other items. Albums are often used to preserve memories and important events, allowing people to revisit them in the future.

Synonyms

collection, photo book, scrapbook.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
albums

Specific reference to music records, either digital or physical.

  • His new album just hit the shelves and it's already a hit.
  • I have all of their albums on my playlist.
scrapbook

A book where photos, mementos, and other memorabilia are creatively assembled, typically with notes and decorations. Often a DIY project.

  • She spent hours working on her travel scrapbook, adding tickets and brochures from each place she visited.
  • Making a scrapbook of our college years was a fun way to remember all the good times.
photo book

A professionally printed book that contains photos, often used for weddings, vacations, or special occasions. More formal than other terms.

  • The wedding photo book looked absolutely stunning.
  • We made a photo book from our summer vacation in Italy.
collection

A general term for a group of items, can refer to almost any set of similar items, including photos, stamps, or other memorabilia.

  • She has an impressive collection of vintage comic books.
  • The museum's art collection includes works from famous artists.

Examples of usage

  • She created a beautiful wedding album with all the photos from the ceremony.
  • My grandparents showed me their photo album from when they were young.
  • I keep all my travel memories in a special photo album.
  • The album was filled with pictures of their family vacations.
  • We put together a scrapbook album for our best friend's birthday.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'album' comes from the Latin 'albus,' meaning 'white,' referring to the blank pages of early albums used for collecting photos or notes.
  • Originally, albums were used to store handwritten letters or art, not just photos or music.
  • The term began to be associated with music collections in the late 19th century as gramophone records were stored in paper sleeves, called albums.

Cultural Significance

  • In the 1960s and 1970s, music albums became an essential part of youth culture, influencing fashion, language, and social dynamics.
  • Albums often tell a story or convey emotions, with artists using them to express broader themes beyond individual songs.
  • Coffee table photo albums have become popular ways to commemorate special events, such as weddings or family trips, making them part of family traditions.

Technology

  • The transition from vinyl records to digital formats transformed how albums are produced and consumed, leading to the rise of streaming services.
  • Digital photo albums have made it easier to store and share pictures worldwide, allowing friends and family to stay connected despite distances.
  • With advancements in artificial intelligence, personalized album recommendations are now common, tailoring music and photos to individual tastes.

Psychology

  • Listening to a favorite album can trigger memories and emotions, influencing mood and nostalgia.
  • Studies show that compiling personal albums can enhance memory retention and emotional connection to past events.
  • The act of creating or curating an album allows individuals to express their identity and helps to narrate their life experiences.

Literature

  • In literature, the concept of an album has been used metaphorically to represent the collection of one's life experiences or thoughts.
  • Many poets and authors have used the album format in their works to explore themes of fragmentation, nostalgia, and memory.
  • The album can symbolize the balance between chaos and order, as it organizes moments or songs into a cohesive collection, often reflecting the creator's journey.

Translations

Translations of the word "albums" in other languages:

🇵🇹 álbuns

🇮🇳 एल्बम

🇩🇪 Alben

🇮🇩 album

🇺🇦 альбоми

🇵🇱 albumy

🇯🇵 アルバム

🇫🇷 albums

🇪🇸 álbumes

🇹🇷 albümler

🇰🇷 앨범

🇸🇦 ألبومات

🇨🇿 alba

🇸🇰 albumy

🇨🇳 专辑

🇸🇮 albumi

🇮🇸 albúm

🇰🇿 альбомдар

🇬🇪 ალბომები

🇦🇿 albomlar

🇲🇽 álbumes

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,879, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.